DudeAsInCool

I went to a neighborhood get together the other day and ran in to a realator and historical homes expert and decided to give her a call. What resulted was a fascinating tour in to some of the undiscovered historical gems in my own backyard, south of Hancock Park. The area is becoming gentrified, and there are a number of homes designed by famous architects which have either fallen by the wayside, or were ignored because they were no longer in the right side of town. In some cases, churches have bought giant mansions (and I mean unbelievable) for tax purposes, and then let them sit, basically abandoned. Went to Sugar Hill where all the black movie stars used to live, including Marvin Gaye's former house. It was an unbelievable eye opener. I was interested in a particular area as prices ($800,000-$1.8m) will bring you a house that would cost $2m-$5m in Hancock Park (not that Im ready to buy...yet lol) But the first house I was shown was still pricey (see PDF) no matter where it sits. I was particularly impressed with Lafayette Park--if I come in to bucks that would be an ideal place--I will have to take pictures--imagine what Hollywood homes looked like during its glory days and you will get the idea :) Lafayette Square The community of 236 homes is bordered by Crenshaw, Venice, Washington and West boulevards. Although founded in 1913 by developer George Crenshaw, it is named after the French marquis who fought alongside Colonists in the American Revolution. For a large house on a comparatively modest budget, Lafayette Square may be the answer. The average home size is 3,600 square feet, with many as large as 5,000 to 6,000 square feet. Most of the properties have period details: Juliet balconies, mahogany staircases and libraries, sitting rooms, stained glass windows, triple crown molding, soaring ceilings -- even four-car garages. Architecturally, there's something for all tastes: Tudor, Craftsman, Victorian, Mediterranean, Norman and Prairie. Although in the middle of Los Angeles, the tree-lined streets are as quiet as the suburbs due to wrought-iron gates, which have enclosed the neighborhood and eliminated cut-through commuter traffic since the early 1990s. The only way into the neighborhood by car is St. Charles Place, a welcoming broad street with a landscaped center strip. The result is an urban oasis where children ride bicycles and play outside. Former owners include WC Fields and Fatty Arbuckle. House036.pdf

I'm American--what else do you expect?

"Inveterate" and "shameless" has a nice ring to it :)

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Wilco

Yes. I admit that I am a spammer, but I aint goin' thru no 12 steps...no sirree :)

A woman after my own heart...

Well said, dsoslglece Welcome to Beatking. :)

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The New York takes a look at The Who and interviews singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend: SIX years ago, at a press conference to kick off a tour by the Who, the singer Roger Daltrey announced that he was working on songs for the band’s new album. The bass player John Entwistle chimed in that he was doing the same. This news shocked Pete Townshend, the band’s guitarist and primary songwriter, though it was mostly a bluff meant to prod him into action. After much further cajoling from Mr. Daltrey, Mr. Townshend finally sat down to try writing the music last year. But he had no idea what he wanted the new record to sound like — especially since the results would be the illustrious band’s first album since 1982. Read more

The NY Times reports today that Who guitarist Pete Townshend is working on a novella - “The Boy Who Heard Music” - "a tightly knit, hallucinatory tale of the rise and fall of a band made up of three teenagers from different ethnic groups, and an aging rock star observing them from a mental institution." You can check out some of the story and images at his website

Techblog reports that GT has put together the scary list - read all about it right here after checking out this Youtube teaser :)

Red Auerbach, who built the Boston Celtics into one of the greatest dynasties in sports, presiding over 16 National Basketball Association championship teams as a coach, general manager and club president, died yesterday in the Washington area. He was 89. Read more at the NYTimes

Google offers up this Walt Disney animated classic just in time for Halloween. Enjoy.

Saw III is out and tearing up the box office just in the nick of time for Halloween

I know some you couldn't wait & have already started your All Hallow's Eve celebration extravaganzas. So in the spirit of all that, here's a music video to those of you who haven't got your costume on yet to get you in the mood.

Just in time for Halloween, Albino Blacksheep offers up the Funky Zombie game :)

Wanna put together a Haunted House? No problem - these readers will tell you how to.

Need some food to go along with the witch's brew? No problem - Lifehacker sez just ask Wanda's Halloween Kitchen